ISCHEMIC NECROSIS OF PROXIMAL GASTRIC REMNANT - A COMPLICATION OF SUBTOTAL GASTRECTOMY

A case of ischemic gangrene of the proximal gastric remnant as well as a review of the literature are presented. This unusual complication may occur after the gastric pouch has been deprived of blood supplied by the ascending branches of the left gastric artery and the short gastric arteries. Treatment consists of prompt recognition and excision of all devitalized gastric tissue, preferably during the primary operation, or in the immediate postoperative period. Drainage of the peritoneal cavity affords the most reliable means by which this complication can be suspected. © 1969.